Think warm thoughts. Winter will be over soon. In the meantime, beat cabin fever by getting involved with our fun and family friendly events coming in March. PTA News ​ ​

Claire's Gourmet SaleOnce again, the PTA is offering the scrumptious pizza and desserts of Claire's Gourmet. Brochures have been sent home in your children's folders this week. Orders may also be placed online if you set up an account and share your personal participant code with family and friends. Westowne's Organization code is 2465, which you'll need to set up your account.

Top sellers will win these fantastic prizes:

$50 top seller prize

$100 raffle - get one chance to win for every ten items sold

Orders are due Monday, March 2nd with pickup schedule for Thursday, March 26th. If you, friends, and family enjoy Claire's Gourmet, we hope you will enjoy this opportunity. We appreciate your support for your PTA!

Sprout Restaurant Night

On Thursday, February 19th, from 4:00 - 8:00, join classmates and neighbors at Sprout Natural Choice. Bring your flyer so Sprout can contribute to the PTA. And hang around for live music by Blues musician, Ed Kaitz. It should be a fun evening full of smoothies, healthy food, and music.

Think Globally, Learn Locally: A Multicultural Literature Night

Save the date for Thursday evening, March 19th, from 6:00 - 8:00!Help us celebrate Westowne's diversity by sharing your cultural connections with us during our multicultural literature night. We need families to host tables sharing their culture and experiences. We need volunteers to run the stories and crafts in the classrooms. And we need help throughout that week with Book Fair. Send us an email or check out our Volunteer Spot for Book Fair.​

Used Books

If you still have children's books you no longer need, we can use a handful for Book Fair. We want to offer a selection of books likely to appeal to students who cannot bring in funds. So please send gently used books into school and drop them in the "well" in the lobby, right in front of the "It's easy being green" bulletin board. Please put them in paper bags or boxes, and please no magazines, baby books, cook books, work books, etc. We only need kindergarten through 5th grade books. Thank you!

eScrip Valentine's Day ContestShow your love for your PTA and Westowne by signing up with eScrip. Throughout February, all new Westowne Elementary PTA supporters will be entered in a drawing to win one of five $100 VISA gift cards. It only takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Plus every ten new supporters registered in February will generate an entry for a chance to earn a $1,000 bonus contribution directly to PTA.Box Tops for EducationThank you for sending in Box Tops! We've raised $927 so far this school year. Send in Box Tops in a baggie, in an envelope, or attached to this collection sheet with glue or tape. The class that collects the most will win an end of year party.

School News ​

Westowne's ArtWestowne student artwork, along with several other area schools, is on display at Security Square Mall now through April 14th. It can be found in the hall that leads from the mall entrance between North American Trade Schools and Teppanyaki Grill, directly across the parking lot from the theater. Select projects from all grades are featured in the showcase.Mrs. Albert, our art teacher, is gearing up to run an Art to Remember program this spring. Students will complete projects at school that are then turned into keepsakes. Families can purchase items like mugs and phone cases featuring their child's artwork. The proceeds from this program will support art education at Westowne.BCPS Surveys

Last year, about 40,000 BCPS members completed the Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey. Make sure your voice is heard this year by taking the quick and easy online survey . Parents, staff, and students beginning in 4th grade are encouraged to provide their feedback.

A Westowne specific Parent Perception Survey was sent home with the "Words to the Wise" newsletter. Please provide your anonymous feedback and return it to the school in the provided envelope no later than tomorrow, February 13th.

Green Spirit DayBe green. Be mine! On Friday, February 13th, show the earth some love. Wear pink or red, and create your own valentines from scrap paper and recycled materials.

Dates to Remember

Dismissal three hours early on Friday, February 13th

No school on Monday, February 16th (no Lego Robotics Club that day)

5th Grade Winter Concert, 7:00 PM, on February 18 (Snow day on February 25)

Community News

695 Construction Project

The Baltimore Beltway Outer Loop South of US 40 to Frederick Road will be widened and the bridges over Edmondson and Ingleside will be replaced. Work is expected to begin this coming summer. A noise barrier will be installed beginning in 2019. A public meeting is being held at Western School of Technology from 6:30 - 8:30 on Tuesday, February 24th. For more information, see the Maryland State Highway Administration's website.

Benjamin Banneker Park Programs

Located in Catonsville on Oella Avenue, the Benjamin Banneker Historic Park and Museum offers free and low cost programs for all ages. Programs often highlight history, science, and music--like Black History topics, preschool educational events, outdoor concerts, and evening or weekend hikes to discover owls and meteorites. Their Facebook page offers the most comprehensive list of their programs. Some events require pre-registration, which can be done by calling them directly.